Mr Ewing says: "I will accept both the Labour and Conservative amendments in perhaps an unprecedented display of magnanimity on my part."

The minister says he would have liked to have backed the Scottish Greens amendment but it would circumvent the consultation.

He is happy to meet with the Scottish Greens to discuss any concerns they have.

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing says trees cover 18% of land in Scotland.

Mr Ewing says this emphasises the enormous importance of forestry to Scotland.

The rural economy secretary says the draft Climate Change Plan proposes producing more hectares of woodland.

He says forestry is crucial to Scotland's environmental objectives. 

Image source, bbc

A consultation that could spell the end of Forestry Commission Scotland ended on 9 September.

Some forestry management is still overseen on a UK level, but the Scottish government is pushing for complete devolution of the sector.

Proposals include the creation of a new body to manage the country's forests, a dedicated Holyrood Forestry Division, and a new legislative framework.

Scotland's forestry sector is worth £1bn annually, supporting 25,000 jobs.

The consultation on the future of forestry management in Scotland was opened on 1 September. 

Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing highlights the contribution that woods and forests make to Scotland’s people, communities, economy and environment.

He says the Scottish government intends to complete the devolution of forestry so that its management in Scotland is fully accountable to ministers and to the Parliament.

Image source, Forestry Commission Scotland

The cabinet secretary says  Scottish government has further increased its annual target to create 15,000 hectares of woodland per year.

He says forestry has an important role to play in achieving Scotland’s climate targets urges his own government to take effective action in order to deliver the target and maintain the National Forest Estate as an asset for the nation.

The Scottish government will now lead a debate entitled 'Developing Forestry in Scotland'.

Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur says he welcomes the 50% renewables target by 2030.

Mr McArthur asks if the government's position on business rates will help or hinder plans.

Mr Wheelhouse says there is very good hydrogen work going on in Orkney and he would welcome feedback from businesses on how to achieve plans. 

Image source, bbc

Green MSP Mark Ruskell welcomes the new target of  half of all energy to be renewable by 2050, which he say was a Green demand.

The Green MSP says Scotland must be kept frack free.

Mr Ruskell says more than district heating is required to meet targets.

Mr Wheelhouse accepts that not every house will have district heating.

The minister says Hydrogen may have a role.

He welcomes the engagement of Mr Ruskell going forward.

The Scottish government says  that in order to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits flowing from the energy sector in Scotland, it is necessary to respond to a number of drivers of change:

• shifts in UK government policy,
• new powers being devolved to the Scottish Parliament,
• emerging trends in energy systems worldwide, and
• the Scottish government’s strengthened ambition to tackle climate change.

Image source, PA

The preparation of the new Climate Change Plan (Scottish Government’s third report on the policies and proposals that will enable Scotland to meet its emissions reduction targets) has provided a catalyst for the new Energy Strategy, requiring the Scottish government to develop energy policies and proposals which further facilitate the transition to a low carbon economy in support of our Climate Change targets.  

SNP MSP Richard Lochhead welcomes the "ambitious strategy" and says he is behind a publicly owned energy company in Scotland.

Mr Wheelhouse says he recognises Mr Lochhead's commitment to this and the government are looking at it.

The energy minister says the government have asked for views on this in its consultation. 

Image source, Getty Images

Tory MSP Dean Lockhart criticisees the delay on the decison on fracking.

Mr Lockhart says Scotland imports 40,00 barrells of shale gas from the US creating an increased carbon footprint.

He calls for fracking to take place in Scotland.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse says that is a matter for the people of Scotland as the consultation on fracking is ongoing.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse says fuel poverty is one of the top priorities that needs addressed.

Mr Wheelhouse says he sympathises with Jackie Baillie's point about focusing on people lifted from fuel poverty not properties.

The minister says he accepts the need for a secure and reliable source of energy and discussions with the UK government are ongoing

Mr Wheelhouse says: "It does take two to tango."

This is received with chuckles around the chamber as some perhaps picture Ms Baillie and and Mr Wheelhouse on Strictly. 

Labour MSP Jackie Baillie asks the government to measure outcomes on how many people have been lifted out of fuel poverty.

Ms Baillie says this should be what outcomes are measured against, not how many homes are insulated.

Image source, bbc

Mr Wheelhouse says reducing fuel poverty is important and clearly the government and Tories disagree on how to do this.

The energy minister says the government are investing in this to achieve 2021 targets and will continue to address the energy poverty problem beyond this.

"The Scottish government has been putting its money where its mouth is," he says.